Loana: The French Reality TV Icon Who Deserved Better
It was a day like any other, mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, my brain flooded by a barrage of “edits” showcasing my favourite pop culture figures of past and present.
About Me
Hi, I’m Thomas!
I’m a First-Class Media, Journalism and Publishing graduate with a passion for digital storytelling, pop culture, and mental health. Most recently, I've been working in the support work field, exploring my interest in psychology and supporting others.
I’ve written for several online publications, covering entertainment, lifestyle, popular culture and more, with a focus on engaging, accessible content.
Alongside my writing, I also experiment with graphic design and occasionally share my thoughts on Substack.
You can explore my work below.
Featured Articles
Supported Living - We Were Not a Mental Health Service - Mad in the UK
Supported living is a type of social care designed for people with different needs, such as autism, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and physical disabilities. Residents typically live in their own flats or shared houses, with support staff available to help them live independently in the community. People are usually referred to this service through local authorities, who assess their needs and help them find a care provider. Some may only require this support for a short period...
The Trump Administration Changed Its Tone on Alex Pretti, But It Hasn’t Changed Its Behaviour : The Indiependent
If you are to believe US Border Control Chief, Greg Bovino, 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti left officers with no choice but to shoot him on the streets of Minneapolis. According to him, Pretti had “violently resisted arrest” and “wanted to do maximum damage”, so agents responded with appropriate force.
Yet multiple videos and witness statements contradict that narrative. In widely circulated footage, Pretti is seen holding his phone (not his gun) and stepping in to help a woman who had been p...
Yet multiple videos and witness statements contradict that narrative. In widely circulated footage, Pretti is seen holding his phone (not his gun) and stepping in to help a woman who had been p...
5 Reasons Why You Should Stan Lola Young
Since her debut in 2019, we’ve been obsessed with all things Lola Young. From her honest, powerful songwriting to her bold attitude and fashion sense, it’s clear that she is a truly authentic artist.
With the success of her hit single ‘Messy’ and her subsequent third studio album, Lola hasn’t shied away from discussing the difficulties of fame. With her lovable and unpolished approach, there are so many reasons to stan Lola Young, so we’ve narrowed it down to just five!
Lola Young has been...
With the success of her hit single ‘Messy’ and her subsequent third studio album, Lola hasn’t shied away from discussing the difficulties of fame. With her lovable and unpolished approach, there are so many reasons to stan Lola Young, so we’ve narrowed it down to just five!
Lola Young has been...
“Quiet, Piggy!”: What Trump’s Outburst Reveals About His Epstein Narrative
The Epstein files, for Trump, are a topic he has sought to avoid. Yet, with growing public interest, this approach has become unviable. On 14th November, Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey decided to seek answers from the President aboard Air Force One. As expected, Lucey’s questions went down like a lead balloon, invoking Trump’s usual ire. “Is there something incriminating in the files, sir?” Lucey asked. Quickly, he raised his pointed finger to her face, retorting, “Quiet, quiet piggy!”
New Images Released from Rare's Cancelled Title 'Everwild'
New images from Rare’s cancelled game Everwild have finally been released, reportedly from an artist who had been working on the project.
5 Reasons You Should Stan Carly Rae Jepsen
We’re big fans of Carly Rae Jepsen at THP! This talented Canadian songstress first rocketed to fame with her iconic hit, ‘Call Me Maybe.’ Since then, Carly has cemented herself as a cult icon, gaining the adoration of fans worldwide. From being a strong LGBTQ+ ally to releasing seven studio albums, it’s clear that she is a prolific and thoughtful artist. While there are countless reasons to stan Carly, here are five we think stand out!
5 Things I Learnt From DBT Therapy
As a support worker for those with mental health difficulties, I was always better at managing other people’s problems. After work, the heavy façade would collapse, leaving me alone with horrific thoughts and emotions.
More Than a Fashion Statement: Let’s Move Beyond 'Protect The Dolls' to Actually Support the Trans Community
On April 16th, The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.
This develo...
This develo...
Track Review: safeword // Halsey
With the 2024 release of their critically acclaimed album The Great Impersonator, Halsey cemented themselves as an artist, unafraid to explore various genres and eras. Their newest single, ‘safeword’ continues this journey, revisiting the sounds of the Riot Grrrl era that was integral to the punk-rock feminism of the ’90s.
‘safeword’ may be Halsey’s boldest single yet. A fearless exploration of sexuality, feminism, and power dynamics, the track is designed to provoke. From the opening riff, i...
‘safeword’ may be Halsey’s boldest single yet. A fearless exploration of sexuality, feminism, and power dynamics, the track is designed to provoke. From the opening riff, i...
The Divided Legacy of Marlene Dietrich: Revered, Rejected, and Remembered
Throughout her lifetime, actress Marlene Dietrich cemented herself as a Hollywood icon, renowned for her wit, glamour, and diva status. While America praised her, her native Germany harboured mixed feelings. Despite being born and raised in Berlin, Dietrich’s national identity became a complex issue that she wrestled with throughout her career. Dietrich’s rise to fame began in her homeland during the culturally vibrant yet politically turbulent Weimar Republic (1918-1933). In this era, the cabar...
AI Art: A friend, not a foe
With the recent release of tools such as Midjourney, AI Art has become increasingly accessible. Unsurprisingly, this has led to a community of ‘AI Artists’ being formed on platforms such as Instagram.
There is no such thing as 'a bit of OCD'
When you think of OCD, it’s easy to dredge up the same tired stereotypes: the germaphobe, the repeater, the tidier - going over and over the same spot with a cloth. Or just someone who keeps doing the same thing until it finally feels right.Whilst OCD can present this way, the complexity of the illness is overshadowed by reductive examples and broad stroke archaic assumptions. Too often, I’ve heard cleanly or organised people claim that they have a ‘bit of OCD’, which only goes to further trivia...
Graphic Design
Atropa Belladonna
Graphic design inspired by the film Belladonna of Sadness, using bold red typography and a minimal black layout. This design has previously been sold on Redbubble products.
Glory
Inspired by rave and acid-graphic design, this is an alternate cover for Britney Spears’ 2016 album Glory, using bold repetition, halftone textures, and high-contrast colour on a distressed background.
Headphones On
A graphic design piece inspired by Addison Rae’s “Headphones On” music video, using bold repetition, high-contrast colours, and a gritty, screen-print style to reflect the video’s retro pop aesthetic.
The Exalted One
A rave-inspired typography experiment using halftones and distortion to recreate the feel of printed club ephemera. The piece focuses on Aaliyah’s name, drawing on her description of its meaning as “the highest, most exalted one”.
Notre Dame De La Rivière
An experiment in embossed graphic design, inspired by vintage leather-bound book covers. Thematically inspired by the drowning of Ophelia.